Victim Advocate

Job Description *Job Title:* Crime Victim Services Advocate *Job Category:* Advocate *Division:* Lakes Crisis and Resource Center *Position Type:* Non-Exempt Full time *Supervisor:* Advocacy Director *Level:* *Job Description* *Primary Responsibility:* Provides crisis intervention and advocacy services to domestic violence, sexual assault, general crime and children’s services victims.
*Additional Responsibilities:* * Provides initial crisis intervention advocacy (in person or crisis phone line) to victims including intake assessment interviews, conducting a risk assessment, and providing for the physical health, personal safety and emotional support for victims.
* Coordinates systems referral appointments and provides system advocacy for victims including emergency shelters, county/tribal human services, law enforcement, and court service agencies, mental health, transportation, housing, medical assistance, employment, legal services, etc.
Assists victims in the completion of necessary documentation/paperwork to obtain system services.
* Provides legal advocacy for victims by preparing and filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders.
Explains legal term/proceedings, attends court with victims and conducts follow up with judges and court officials.
* Provides personal advocacy for victims including personal safety planning and on-going support and assistance to deal with the emotional, physical, social and financial problems suffered by victims.
* Organizes and facilitates weekly support groups for victims as determined necessary and appropriate.
* Prepares and makes education presentations and awareness to community groups such as schools, government, churches, and civic groups on crime victimization.
* Prepares and maintains LCRC client records, statistical reports, correspondence, and memorandums.
* Provides client transportation to/from safe housing, court and appointments as appropriate.
* Fills in for other advocacy service staff as needed to ensure adequate support and coverage for other LCRC programs and services.
* Participates in the on-call rotation for after-hours crisis calls and advocacy.
* Attends and participates in staff meetings, community meetings/events, in service training, workshops and classes to enhance skills related to service delivery to victims.
* Complies with mandatory client confidentiality and reporting criteria as defined by law and LCRC/PC policies and procedures as applicable.
* Informs Program Director of important developments, potential problems and related information necessary for effective LCRC program management.
Plans activities with other staff as appropriate to ensure a coordinated work effort and team approach.
* Contributes to a positive work attitude within LCRC by working cooperatively and respectfully with others and conducting oneself as a team player.
* Assists to achieve the organization’s annual goals and objectives.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
*Skills/Abilities:* * Experience and/or ability to work with people and demonstrate a high level of sensitivity and understanding toward individuals/families that have been in situations of physical, emotional and mental abuse.
* Belief in non-violence and willingness to challenge societal norms that condone perpetual violence.
* Exceptional interpersonal and active listening skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with children, parents and other professionals.
* Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and general crime.
* Ability to work well under stressful situations.
* Ability to remain neutral in dealing with conflicting parties.
* Knowledge of computers, copy machines and cell phones.
*Qualifications:* * Post high school training in human services, criminal justice, legal or related field.
* 2+ years of related experience in providing advocacy services.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $19.
00 - $24.
00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Employee assistance program * Flexible schedule * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday Work Location: In person